Interview about Orico Training Center Corporate Office, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2024
Orico Training Center is a major consumer credit company with more than 110 million cardholders. The plan is to renovate and adapt their own training center to modern values and programs, which has deteriorated after its construction more than 30 years ago. To make the CI of Orico's felt throughout the space, the design is based on a VI using Credit Card as a motif. The eight training rooms are each designed with a theme based on the different types of credit cards issued by Orico, such as Gold, Platinum, and Black Card to embody the unique worldview of each credit card.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe concept of using credit card motifs for the Orico Training Center Corporate Office emerged from a desire to create an environment that reflects Orico’s core identity in an engaging, visually impactful way. Credit cards are fascinating objects—they offer a gateway to various lifestyles and privileges, from travel rewards to exclusive experiences. We wanted to capture this by giving each training room a unique personality aligned with the card’s traits, like Gold or Platinum, allowing users to feel like they’re stepping into a distinct world. The spatial design evolved through meticulous detailing, from shaping partitions that echo the precise radius and thickness of actual cards to incorporating materials that would enhance each room’s thematic resonance. This approach emphasizes Orico’s identity while creating an engaging and dynamic training environment.
In the partition design for Orico Training Center, I incorporated traditional Japanese architectural techniques such as Fusuma and Shoji. These elements add cultural richness and are designed to respect the concept of privacy without completely closing off spaces, which is essential for a corporate setting. The partitions are crafted to offer separation yet allow a sense of connectivity, reflecting Japanese design principles of balance and subtlety. Adapting these techniques required precise calibration to meet the functional requirements of a modern office while enhancing the overall aesthetics. By fusing traditional techniques with contemporary needs, we created a workspace that honors cultural heritage while catering to the fast-paced demands of a corporate training facility.
Each of the eight training rooms in the Orico Training Center embodies the unique qualities of different credit card types, such as Gold, Platinum, and Black cards, through distinct design elements. For instance, the Gold Card room emphasizes luxury with warm lighting and elegant materials, creating an inviting yet upscale atmosphere. The Black Card room, by contrast, exudes sophistication with a minimalist aesthetic and darker tones, projecting a sense of exclusivity. These elements allow each room to capture the essence of the card it represents while maintaining harmony across the spaces. This thematic approach provides a unique experience for trainees, reinforcing Orico’s brand and fostering an environment that is both functional and immersive.
The floating cantilevered partition walls at the Orico Training Center posed a fascinating technical challenge. We aimed for a design that would give the partitions a light, floating appearance, embodying a dynamic spatial flow reminiscent of moving credit cards. Achieving this effect required a cantilevered structure that meets building codes while providing stability. To maintain safety and stability, the partitions were structurally reinforced yet subtly detached from the ceiling and floor, creating an open space compliant with smoke extraction regulations. This allowed the partitions to appear weightless while still functioning within a strict regulatory framework, enhancing the room’s visual depth and modern aesthetic.
The Orico Training Center’s design needed to serve as both a training facility and a satellite office, especially in response to COVID-19, which influenced our approach to space planning and furniture selection. We expanded individual desk spaces and included task lighting to accommodate the needs of remote work, transforming each workstation into a flexible, comfortable environment. The furniture, including caster-equipped chairs, was selected to provide ergonomic support for extended work hours. This adaptability supports Orico’s dynamic workplace strategy, allowing the center to function as both a collaborative training area and a flexible office space, meeting evolving corporate needs.
Using the Farrington 7B font, a credit card-specific international standard font, in the signage for Orico Training Center was a deliberate choice to reinforce corporate identity subtly. This font, typically used for card numbers, establishes a direct connection to the credit card theme in the space. Other subtle elements include the precise replication of card corner radii and the multi-layered partitions that mimic the thickness of a card. These details are not only visually engaging but also embody the Orico brand, making each room a distinct yet cohesive part of the training center’s overall aesthetic, enhancing the brand experience in an understated yet impactful way.
Renovating the 30-year-old Orico facility into a modern training center presented unique challenges, particularly given the existing RC (reinforced concrete) structure and facility layout. Our approach was to work within these constraints while introducing contemporary design elements that would transform the space. We retained the original structural integrity but redesigned interior spaces with light, modern partitions and updated the furniture to improve functionality. By maximizing existing elements and incorporating cost-effective updates, we created a fresh, inviting environment that serves as a symbol of Orico’s forward-thinking approach, blending old and new seamlessly.
The Silver A’ Design Award for Orico Training Center Corporate Office is a testament to our efforts in creating an innovative corporate interior that goes beyond conventional training spaces. I envision this project as a model for future workplace design trends that emphasize branding, functionality, and flexibility. The integration of brand-specific design details within a multifunctional space demonstrates how training centers can become immersive brand experiences. I believe this project could inspire a new approach to corporate interiors where identity, purpose, and user experience are woven together, setting a precedent for thoughtful, brand-driven design.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Orico Training Center’s design was replicating credit card dimensions, including the exact corner radius and thickness, for partitions. This required extensive research to ensure precise measurements that match the real credit cards, providing a sense of authenticity. We collaborated with structural engineers to create partitions that retain their visual lightness while maintaining durability and compliance. By capturing these details, we emphasized Orico’s brand identity in a manner that is both subtle and impactful, allowing users to experience the corporate culture through design elements that are familiar yet transformed.
The Orico Training Center is located in a serene residential area, surrounded by parks and university campuses. This tranquil setting influenced the interior design significantly, encouraging us to create a harmonious environment that respects the surrounding landscape. We used materials and colors that evoke a calm, natural feel, helping the center integrate seamlessly with its peaceful surroundings. This approach aligns with Orico’s vision of providing a refreshing and inspiring workspace for trainees, fostering focus and creativity while maintaining a connection to the tranquil environment outside.
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